Manufacturer | Triumph |
---|---|
Production | 1938–1940, 1947–1966 |
Engine | 498 cc 360-degree parallel twin OHV four-stroke |
Bore / stroke | 63 mm × 80 mm (2.5 in × 3.1 in) |
Power | 27 bhp @ 6,300 rpm |
Transmission | 4-speed manual / chain |
Wheelbase | 55 inches (140 cm) |
Weight | 365 pounds (166 kg) (dry) |
The Speed Twin 5T is a standard motorcycle that was made by Triumph at their Coventry, and later Meriden factories. Edward Turner, Triumph's Chief Designer and Managing Director, launched the Triumph Speed Twin at the 1937 National Motorcycle Show. It was a 500 cc OHV vertical twin in a lightweight frame and the first truly successful British parallel twin, setting the standard for many twins to follow. After World War II the Speed Twin was responsible for the survival of Triumph, and several major British marques offered a 500 cc twin designed on similar lines to the Speed Twin.[1]